Friday 12 July 2013

Dartmoor Haytor deaths: Boy's body found after mother and son die


Policeman at Haytor Haytor is one of Dartmoor's most famous landmarks
Police investigating the death of a woman and her son, who died in a fall from rocks on Dartmoor in Devon, have found a boy's body at her home.
The woman and five-year-old boy died falling between 80-100ft (24-30m) at Haytor, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
A two-year-old boy's body was later found in Dukes Close, Paignton.
Police said the woman was believed to be Catherine Hooper, 24, and the dead children her sons Josh Patterson, aged five, and Sam Patterson, aged two.
Chief Superintendent Paul Davies from Devon & Cornwall Police says a murder inquiry is under way.
A force spokesman said no formal identification had taken place but officers had begun a murder inquiry.
The force released a statement from Neil Patterson, saying he was "devastated" that the "three most important and cherished people in my life had been taken from me".
An air ambulance, a police helicopter, park rangers and members of the Dartmoor Rescue Group went to Haytor after an incident was reported shortly before 12:00 BST.
Acting Ch Insp Adrian Leisk, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said officers found two bodies when they arrived at the granite peak, which is more than 1,475ft (450m) above sea level.
Officers then went to the woman's home, where the body of the two-year-old boy was found.
Det Supt Paul Burgan said: "We are keeping an open mind about all three deaths. But at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident."
Duke's Close, Paigton The body of a two-year-old boy was found at the family home in Paignton
The force said post-mortem examinations on all three involved in the "tragic incident" would be carried out.
Dartmoor Rescue Group said on Twitter that a team was "called to assist at a tragic incident at Haytor today".
It added: "Our thoughts are with the family."
Police have appealed for witnesses at Haytor to contact them.

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